Tips for integrating an overseas trained teacher into your school

It’s an amazing thing taking on an overseas trained teacher. You can learn a lot about one another and really maximise your new teacher’s commitment and longevity by being truly mindful of their new circumstances.

Can you imagine selling everything, booking a one-way flight and landing in a faraway place? It takes courage and determination to make this happen. Supporting your new recruit in the early stages can make all the difference in how they will contribute to your school and enjoy their new school.

Here are a few tips to help the process of integrating an overseas trained teacher go smoothly.

Prior to their arrival:

• Set up the school email address and provide logins. This will help them to feel like a part of your team.
• Circulate new planning and relevant meeting minutes to the new recruit. This will start the working relationship with colleagues before they even arrive.
• Set up Skype meetings and start communication with the SLT, HOD’s and Phase Leaders.
• If the teacher will be in a Primary class, begin Skype meetings with the children 2-3 weeks before arrival. Being able to build relationships with students will allow for the transition to go smoother for both teacher and students.
• Offer an airport pick-up. The new teacher has just spent way too many hours flying, the last thing they want is to catch a taxi or hop on a train or bus. Offering a lift is always a welcome gesture.
• Send across the school staff handbook. This will get the teachers up to speed with dress codes, routines and behaviour management systems.

Upon arrival:

• Help them to settle in by asking colleagues if they can offer short-term housing.
• Inviting new teachers to a social event is a good way to help new teachers feel like they are a part of the community.
• Offer a school tour. It’s good to quickly learn where the essentials are, such as toilets, resources, photocopier, and the staff room.
• Get new teachers to shadow UK trained teachers. This will familiarise new teachers with expectations.
• Arrange for an induction with a key person and have clear guidelines and professional expectations.
• Support the settling in phase by setting up a mentor for professional and pastoral care.
• No one wants to worry about money. Ensure payroll is set up in the first week.

Schools that recruit two or more overseas teachers have the added benefit of the teachers developing a sense of comradery, which can be an excellent strategy to remember.

By embracing these tips, your teachers should be able to assimilate into your school community sooner and it will be like you have always had them on staff.

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